• The project cost had been estimated in the pre-feasibility report

Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila, in response to JVP’s criticism of the proposed US 3 billion oil refinery project, said the project cost had been estimated in the pre-feasibility report.   

He said that ‘being oppositional to everything at every time is the cornerstone of the JVP’s political ideology.   
“The feasibility was done by experts in the oil refinery industry. As far as I know, JVP MP Vijitha Herath and former MP Wasantha Samarasinghe are neither chemical engineers nor mechanical engineers. They have not at least worked as labourers at a refinery facility. I ask the JVP not to expose your ignorance by talking about subjects alien to you,” he said.   

 According to the report, the Minister said it would cost US $ 2.5 billion to refine 100,000 barrels of crude oil. Besides, it will cost another US $ 250 million for the renovation of the present refinery.   “I have worked in politics for 21 years. I have held different positions in the government. I have not been accused of taking commissions even by my political enemies. But, the JVP leaders are accused of receiving cash inducements from the UNP MPs. Some people charged that the JVP took money from former UNP MP Malik Samarawickrama. I ask the JVP not to go by its own leaders when assessing my work,” he said.  

• It would cost US $ 2.5 billion to refine 100,000 barrels of crude oil and another US $ 250 million for renovation of the  present refinery